Are you feeling disconnected and struggling to express yourself? Have you forgotten how to relax and unwind, and do you often find yourself feeling stuck in your head? The black swan power animal and symbolism can support you to push forward.
If the black swan is your spirit animal, you may feel as though all of your potential is trapped inside of you and that you lack the resources to achieve your destined goals or purpose.
When we consider the incredible history of the black swan, your mysterious nature comes as no surprise.
For many years, many presumed the black swan did not exist. In fact, as far back as the 2nd century, people were using the phrase “black swan”.
The metaphor describes any surprising event that sparks significant change not normally expected so it can deliver severe consequences. The roman poet Juvenal was one of the first people to use this phrase.
It wasn’t until a group of Dutch explorers, led by Willem de Vlamingh in 1697, who first saw a black swan in Western Australia, that humanity discovered these thought-to-be mythological birds are real.
The phrase then changed meaning to include perceived possibilities that may later be disproven.
Not only are you likely to be mysterious like the swan, but you may also be incredibly loyal and protective. You’ll often defend your loved ones and your territory fiercely and without reserve.
You may also prefer to have intelligent, meaningful conversation over small talk, and you’ll have an unshakeable passion for life.
If you’re a shy or reserved person, you may feel drawn to the black swan. It knows what it’s like to feel invisible or out of place in the world, but it also knows its power.
This is an incredible quality that can improve your self-esteem and self-worth and open up new doors for career and relationship opportunities.
Black Swan Dreams
Have you seen the black swan in your dream state?
As a dream symbol, the black swan can indicate dark desires. Circumstances may tempt you to pursue an unhealthy habit or relationship in the real world.
Dreaming of a black swan could also suggest that you’re being too harsh on yourself. Perhaps your inner voice is unfairly cruel, and you find yourself battling your self-esteem or self-worth.
Seeing the black swan may serve as a reminder that only you have the power to change this perspective.
If you’ve dreamt of two black swans swimming together, this may be a sign from your subconscious that you’re in a healthy, strong relationship or that a stable union is on its way to you.
It can also be a representation of balance and harmony in your relationship and in your life as a whole.
If you’ve dreamt of a black swan, but you couldn’t see it clearly, this could be representing the unknown.
You may be about to start a new job, move to a different city, or move house.
You may even be experiencing challenges in a friendship or relationship that have left you feeling confused and seeking answers.
This dream may simply appear just to represent these issues, or it could be a sign that you may soon receive the clarity or closure you’re seeking.
Tattoo Meaning
Tattoos are a unique, beautiful method of self-expression. Swan tattoos may not be the most sought-after design, but they’re still incredibly popular.
Swans have been symbolic for centuries, with thousands of designs and a multitude of meanings to choose from, the swan has become a popular tattoo for many people.
However, the black swan isn’t as well represented throughout history. For many years, people believed black swan does not exist. Even after its discovery, confusion and mystery still shrouded this bird.
The black swan may be a popular tattoo with people who have spent their lives feeling misunderstood or overlooked.
It could also be used to represent a deep desire or mystery that wants to be set free. After all, we all want to feel connected to something or someone.
The story of the black swan speaks to many people, and some feel that its origins, and the attitudes towards this bird, resonate strongly with them.
Suppose you’ve had a dream since childhood that you’ve been yearning to achieve, or you’ve recently discovered your sexuality or gender identity.
Some may also get the black swan tattoo to represent its power as a totem or spirit animal.
If you feel connected to the black swan, this animal can give you confidence and support to guide you through life.
Challenging situations may become easier to navigate with the clarity the black swan brings. By getting a black swan tattoo, you ensure this power is always with you, no matter the circumstance.
Exploring the origins of the black swan gives us a deeper insight into some of its spiritual connotations.
The black swan was first discovered in Western Australia.
Until its discovery, all swans were thought to be white.
The creation of the first black swan is closely linked to magic. Further, it also links to the creation of the native Flannel Flower, a common species of flowering plant found around Sydney.
The origins of the black swan are shrouded in mystery and excitement. This has helped foster some of the most common spiritual meanings of the black swan, which include:
Warnings of death or bad experiences on the horizon
A sign to connect with your inner self (especially if you’re shy or reserved)
A warning to avoid unhealthy habits or desires
A sign of reclaiming your personal power
A calling to let go of what no longer serves you in your life
Australian Black Swan Symbolism
The black swan was first discovered in Western Australia, so it’s no surprise that the country has attached some significant symbolism to this swan.
In Australian aboriginal mythology, a famous Dreamtime story tells the tale of two black swans.
Australia also has two types of swans, black and white, and each is said to represent both the aboriginal and European people of Australia.
The Dreamtime story tells the tale of Wurrunna, a cultural hero. In the story, two brothers were transformed into white swans to attack a rival party when they were looting for weapons.
According to the story, Wurrunna used a crystal stone called a gubbera to transform the men.
Once the loot had taken place, the white swans were attacked by eaglehawks which tore out their feathers. Fortunately, a group of crows (known enemies of the eaglehawks) came to help the brothers by giving the black swans their own black feathers.
The story states that the red beak of the black swan is actually the blood of the brothers, which has stayed there forever.
In another Australian story, a beautiful white swan named Guunyu lived in the waterways of billabongs and lakes.
This bird was reserved and quiet, keeping mainly to himself.
Although his beauty outmatched the other birds, Guunyu never praised himself up or attempted to stand out from the crowd. His beauty was quietly admired by the other birds around him.
One day, the birds around Guunyu began to get jealous of him. Many of them plotted against him and planned to kill him.
An old black crow sat above them as they sat in the treetops plotting, listening in horror and disapproval.
The next day, Guunyu was tricked and viciously attacked by the birds in the waterway, who scratched his beak and pulled his feathers from his body.
The old craw sat watching from above, feeling helpless.
Once the birds had left, the crow swooped down to check on Guunyu. Seeing he was still breathing, the crow comforted him and promised to nurse him back to health.
As the crow began cleaning Guunyu, he noticed he could not wipe the blood from his beak.
Guunyu also had no feathers to keep him warm, so the crow began to pluck out some of his own and share them with Guunnyu.
Guunyu recovered, rose out of the swamp, and flew away looking more beautiful than ever. So was the birth of the black swan.
Symbolic Meanings
Now it’s time to take a look at some of the black swan’s most symbolic meanings.
Inner strength
Discovery
Compassion
Loyalty
An evil omen (believed by some European and Asian communities)
A metaphor for rare events
Grace
Natural and true love
Pride
Liberation
Happiness
Fidelity (or infidelity in some dreams)
Final Thoughts
The black swan may come into your awareness for many reasons.
Firstly, if your life is feeling stagnant or your low self-esteem is preventing you from achieving your potential, the black swan could appear to offer you guidance and support.
Secondly, if you have your suspicions that a friendship or relationship could be on the rocks or that someone around you is unfaithful, the black swan may appear to reveal a truth to you.
Thirdly, if you’ve been seeing the black swan, either in your dreams or your waking life, it’s time to stand up and take note.
There’s a strong possibility that your life needs to change or is changing, and you’re being called on to work with this transformation, not against it.
Diane has always been interested in spirituality and self-improvement. She is a happy and outgoing person. She started her spiritual journey with Chandra while looking for tools to bring positivity to their lives. She boosts her mind with self-care and affirmations. However, she also knows what crystals to wear based on her feelings. She also practices the law of attraction.
